From assistive to inclusive? A systematic review of the uses and effects of technology to support people with pervasive support needs.

BACKGROUND: Although particular technologies can enhance the quality of life (QoL) of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (we use the term pervasive support needs), their objectives and outcomes are understudied. A systematic literature review was therefore conducted to explore this topic. METHOD: A search of four databases yielded 64 studies. Data were extracted on their general characteristics, methods and sample characteristics as well as the technology types, QoL domains and application within ecological systems. A narrative synthesis was subsequently developed. RESULTS: Most of the studies applied assistive technology (AT) and focused on personal development and self-determination on an individual level. CONCLUSIONS: Technology can enhance the QoL of people with pervasive support needs. There are indications that although MT and UD-based technology are used in practice, few studies have examined these technologies. Therefore, there is a knowledge gap regarding the kinds of technology that are used in practice.

Snoezelen in people with intellectual disability or dementia: A systematic review.

Background: Snoezelen focuses on multisensory stimulation in an adapted environment and was originally developed for people with severe and profound intellectual (and multiple) disabilities. Snoezelen has been used for many years with various target groups and for different purposes. Variation in its application has resulted in a lack of understanding of snoezelen's application characteristics and of how they may relate to effects. Objective: The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the application and effects of snoezelen in people with intellectual disability or dementia in order to analyse the relationship between application characteristics and effects. Design: A systematic review. Methods: Five databases were searched for snoezelen studies that took place in a specially adapted environment. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The application characteristics (that is, the stimuli used, environment, and support given) and the effects were extracted. Reported effects were categorized into different human functioning dimensions using the model of intellectual disabilities of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Results: In total, 62 studies involving people with intellectual disability (n = 30) or dementia (n = 32) were included. An overview of snoezelen used in other target groups (n = 24) is provided as supplementary material. Details on the application of snoezelen were often lacking. A total of 10 application characteristics (for example, frequency, role of the support person) were extracted. All studies reported the presence of a support person (n = 62; 100%). Effects were found in all five human functioning dimensions. The most-reported effects (61.3% overall) related to mental health, such as a reduction in challenging behaviour and improved mood. In a minority of studies (n = 10, 16.1%), effects on the support person were also reported. Due to limited details about the application of snoezelen and the large variation in measured effects, analysing the relationship between these was impossible. Conclusions: The majority of studies lacked details on application characteristics during snoezelen. Reported effects varied, although most related to mental health. Future research should analyse in detail the relationship between application and effects.

People with intellectual disabilities living in care facilities engaging in virtual social contact: A systematic review of the feasibility and effects on well-being.

BACKGROUND: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people with disabilities living in home care facilities could not receive visitors. The use of virtual social contact has been recommended by health authorities. This systematic review examined the scientific evidence of the use and feasibility of information and communication technology (ICT) for social contact by people with intellectual disabilities living in care facilities, and potential effects on well-being. METHODS: Five databases were searched using traditional systematic screening and machine-learning supported screening. Findings are presented in a narrative synthesis using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. We described three themes: means of ICT used for social contact; effects on well-being; and benefits, barriers, and preconditions. CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in virtual social contact may be feasible for people with severe to mild intellectual disabilities, but there is little concrete evidence that this can be used as an alternative for in-person contact.

Multi-sensory storytelling for persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: an analysis of the development, content and application in practice.

BACKGROUND: Multi-sensory storytelling (MSST) books are individualized stories, which involve sensory stimulation in addition to verbal text. Despite the frequent use of MSST in practice, little research is conducted into its structure, content and effectiveness. This study aims at the analysis of the development, content and application in practice of the MSST books in persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine persons with PIMD and their direct support person participated. We analysed if the books are constructed and read according to guidelines. Content and used stimuli were related to age. RESULTS: Of the books 84% were constructed according to guidelines. In just 1.3% of the sessions, the story was read as intended. Regarding content, 67.4% of the stories focused on daily life excursions. Tactile stimuli were used most. Age related to stimuli choice, but not to content. CONCLUSIONS: Although most books were properly constructed, guidelines were barely followed during reading which may negatively influence the effectiveness.